{"id":1666,"date":"2025-04-14T17:21:42","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T17:21:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/?page_id=1666"},"modified":"2025-04-14T17:21:43","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T17:21:43","slug":"growing-others-into-their-calling-lesson-14","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/growing-others-into-their-calling-lesson-14\/","title":{"rendered":"Growing Others Into Their Calling &#8211; Lesson #14"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-larger-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Growing Others into Their Calling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-accent-2-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fb198dfe600460a7b60f58bcd8e27905 wp-block-paragraph\"><em>\u201cThe things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.\u201d <\/em>\u2014 <em>2 Timothy 2:2, NIV<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the highest callings of a leader is not to gather followers\u2014but to raise up leaders. The future of your church, ministry, and movement depends on how well you grow others into <em>their<\/em> calling\u2014not just how well you operate in your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paul\u2019s example with Timothy shows us this clearly. He didn\u2019t just develop a ministry team\u2014he developed a ministry legacy. And he did it by intentionally training, trusting, resourcing, and releasing others for the work of the gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLeadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.\u201d \u2014 John C. Maxwell<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Scriptural Foundation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In <strong>2 Timothy 2:2<\/strong>, Paul gives Timothy a four-generation discipleship model:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Paul \u2192 Timothy \u2192 Reliable people \u2192 Others<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a picture of what multiplication looks like within ministry, as opposed to the often experienced model of maintenance within ministry. You might consider how this model deepens and develops people, over simple delegation alone. As Paul writes Timothy, he shows him (and us), that the best approach to leadership is found in <em>growing others into their own God-given assignments.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Likewise, Ephesians 4:11\u201312 (which we have referenced in several other Leadership Lessons), reminds us that Christ gave leaders to the church for the express purpose of&nbsp; \u201cequip(ping) his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.\u201d When a leader chooses to express their leadership by doing all the ministry themselves, they are actually limiting the effectiveness of the church they have been entrusted to lead. In contrast, when they assume the position of equipping others, they expanding the ministries and their own effectiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember, you job isn\u2019t just to <em>get things done<\/em>\u2014it\u2019s to <em>develop people<\/em> so they can become who God called them to be. This means helping them discover their calling, identifying their gifts, training them to grow and develop, and then providing them with real opportunities to put their gifts and calling into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Craig Groeschel<\/strong> says,\u201cA leader is at their best when they are helping someone else become their best.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Importance of Training and Resourcing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You cannot expect what you do not equip. Far too often, we assign responsibilities without offering the necessary training or tools. This creates frustration, confusion, and often disengagement\u2014not because the person lacked calling, but because they lacked preparation and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paul didn\u2019t just give Timothy a task; he gave him his time, his teaching, his trust\u2014and the tools to succeed. That\u2019s our model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cYou cannot hold someone accountable for something they\u2019ve never been trained or empowered to do.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Equipping is more than handing someone a job description. It\u2019s about:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Preparing hearts<\/strong> with clarity and biblical vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sharpening minds<\/strong> through teaching and mentoring<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Empowering hands<\/strong> with the tools, access, and authority needed to do the work<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practical terms, this may mean:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Giving team members access to <strong>books, curriculum, or discipleship materials<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offering <strong>devices<\/strong> like a church laptop or tablet for communication or creative tasks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enrolling them in <strong>online learning platforms, church leadership memberships, or conferences<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bringing them into environments like <strong>team retreats, classes, or mentoring groups<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Setting clear expectations <strong>and matching authority to the level of responsibility<\/strong> they&#8217;ve been given<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jesus modeled this with His disciples. He didn\u2019t just command\u2014they watched Him, walked with Him, asked questions, and were ultimately empowered and sent out with <strong>authority<\/strong> (Luke 9:1\u20132; 10:1,17). He provided both training and trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you train and resource your team well, you\u2019re not just managing volunteers\u2014you\u2019re growing ministers. That\u2019s the kind of leadership that multiplies and lasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u201cLeaders who hoard resources may build followers. Leaders who share them build leaders.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Elements of Growing Others into Their Calling<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Train Thoroughly<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t assume people know what you know. Walk with them. Teach them not just what to do\u2014but why it matters. Think apprenticeship, not assembly line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Resource Generously<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t send someone to battle without armor. Provide what they need\u2014books, digital tools, online access, budgets, support systems. Make training environments available and accessible. Resource them like you believe in them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Delegate Authority, Not Just Tasks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If someone is responsible for something, they also need the authority to make decisions in that area. Without it, they\u2019ll hesitate, second-guess, or shut down. Trust releases creativity and fosters ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-normal-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Coach With Grace<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mistakes will happen. That\u2019s part of growth. Be present, provide feedback, and celebrate progress\u2014not just perfection. Encouragement is often the fuel that gets people through discouragement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Practical Application<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Evaluate Your Team:<\/strong> Who are you currently training? Are there those you are using to help accomplish a given task? What could you do to intentionally invest into their personal development?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Create a Development Pathway:<\/strong> Offer opportunities for those under your leadership to experience their own growth track\u2014spiritual, practical, and relational.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Invest in Resources:<\/strong> Here&#8217;s a litmus test for potential investment: If it matters, fund it! What tools, subscriptions, or events could help your team take the next step?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Empower the Called:<\/strong> Match responsibility with authority. Let them own their role\u2014fully. Refuse to micromanage people or tasks. If you delegate a responsibility, also delegate the authority they&#8217;ll need to accomplish it effectively.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Personal Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You weren\u2019t called to do it all\u2014you were called to <strong>equip others to do what God has called them to do.<\/strong> Paul didn\u2019t just preach to crowds. He poured into people. And because of that, the gospel continued to expand and the Kingdom of God has grown long after he was gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Reflection Questions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Who are you growing into their calling?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What could happen if you gave them the tools, the trust, and the time to become all God has designed them to be?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How do you need to better equip and empower those under your care?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Growing Others into Their Calling \u201cThe things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1666","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1666","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1666"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1666\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1668,"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1666\/revisions\/1668"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chuckhilltoday.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1666"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}